I leave for my trip in 6 days. For the first time, I'm able to say I leave in "less than a week."
For obvious reasons, I'm ecstatic. I get to return to the city I love for an extended period of time, AND I get to travel to some brand new places. But, right now, I'm feeling consumed with apprehension and anxiety.
For those of you who don't know...
-I'm flying alone on this entire trip. I have flown alone an ENDLESS number of times -- more than I could ever count. But never internationally and never days and days of extended layovers at a time.
-I am currently moving out of my house I've lived in for years and moving into a new one...all while finishing up school and packing/preparing for this trip. I am CRAZY BUSY. So if you've called and I haven't called back, just know that I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I promise to get back to you as soon as possible. I'm doing a million things at a time.
I'm STRESSED and I'm HAPPY and I'm PANICKED and I'm EAGER. Most of all, I'm ready to feel a sense of relief: Finish up school (become a senior!), move into my new house, get everything packed and ready, get on that plane, and make it to my apartment.
I think traveling alone is an incredibly important skill. Independence, competence, a sense of direction, communication skills, safety...so many things young people can learn from traveling alone that can be used in all areas of life. I'm lucky that I have this opportunity.
Tonight my Italy group and I will make our itinerary more solidified, and I'm excited about that. For those of you who have input on the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Florence, and Cinque Terre, please send me your input in the comments below.
I'm also looking for input about how to make the most of my London layover. I have a very short amount of time that I can leave the airport, but I want to make sure that I see a few things and take a few pictures. Any and all information is appreciated; please just leave it in the comments.
My parents are coming to Oxford this weekend. I am SO lucky to have them help me move out, prepare for my trip, and put me on the plane. They are the reason I have such a passion for traveling! They have been lucky to travel a lot together, and I am so happy that I'm getting these opportunities, too.
I worked so hard to get this internship. Although I'm stressed, I am so proud that my hard work resulted in an opportunity so amazing. This is a good kind of stress. I'm lucky to have it.
Asking for prayers for my sanity as I wrap up the next 6 days and for safety for the 9 weeks that I'm abroad.
I will post again in the next couple of days!
-Anna
For obvious reasons, I'm ecstatic. I get to return to the city I love for an extended period of time, AND I get to travel to some brand new places. But, right now, I'm feeling consumed with apprehension and anxiety.
For those of you who don't know...
-I'm flying alone on this entire trip. I have flown alone an ENDLESS number of times -- more than I could ever count. But never internationally and never days and days of extended layovers at a time.
-I am currently moving out of my house I've lived in for years and moving into a new one...all while finishing up school and packing/preparing for this trip. I am CRAZY BUSY. So if you've called and I haven't called back, just know that I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I promise to get back to you as soon as possible. I'm doing a million things at a time.
I'm STRESSED and I'm HAPPY and I'm PANICKED and I'm EAGER. Most of all, I'm ready to feel a sense of relief: Finish up school (become a senior!), move into my new house, get everything packed and ready, get on that plane, and make it to my apartment.
I think traveling alone is an incredibly important skill. Independence, competence, a sense of direction, communication skills, safety...so many things young people can learn from traveling alone that can be used in all areas of life. I'm lucky that I have this opportunity.
Tonight my Italy group and I will make our itinerary more solidified, and I'm excited about that. For those of you who have input on the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Florence, and Cinque Terre, please send me your input in the comments below.
I'm also looking for input about how to make the most of my London layover. I have a very short amount of time that I can leave the airport, but I want to make sure that I see a few things and take a few pictures. Any and all information is appreciated; please just leave it in the comments.
My parents are coming to Oxford this weekend. I am SO lucky to have them help me move out, prepare for my trip, and put me on the plane. They are the reason I have such a passion for traveling! They have been lucky to travel a lot together, and I am so happy that I'm getting these opportunities, too.
I worked so hard to get this internship. Although I'm stressed, I am so proud that my hard work resulted in an opportunity so amazing. This is a good kind of stress. I'm lucky to have it.
Asking for prayers for my sanity as I wrap up the next 6 days and for safety for the 9 weeks that I'm abroad.
I will post again in the next couple of days!
-Anna